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Thursday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Tourism funding feud returns to Capitol
Gov. Rick Scott is once again battling with the Legislature over funding for tourism marketing, but this time it’s the Senate that’s drawn his anger. Senate leaders unveiled initial budget plans Wednesday showing $50 million for Visit Florida, the state’s public-private tourism promotion group, a $26 million cut from the current year. the Governor said:
“I completely oppose the Florida Senate’s proposal to cut VISIT FLORIDA’s budget by a third. I will fight to protect the 1.4 million jobs that rely on Florida’s tourism industry by making sure that VISIT FLORIDA gets $100 million this year. After the devastating hurricane season we faced last year, we shouldn’t be playing games with our state’s tourism industry.” – Governor Rick Scott
More from the Orlando Sentinel and the Gainesville Sun.
Florida small business defaults fall in November
In November 2017, small business loan defaults decreased in Florida's business community, with default rates in 13 of the 18 major industries falling in the state, according to data released by PayNet. In spite of a 3 basis point decrease from October, Florida's PayNet Small Business Default Index (SBDFI) at 2.49% was one of the worst in the country. More in this news release.
SpaceX fires engines on big new rocket in launch pad test
SpaceX has fired up its newest, biggest rocket in a critical launch pad test. The Falcon Heavy briefly roared to life for the first time Wednesday at Florida's Kennedy Space Center. All three boosters - 27 engines in all - were tested. More from the AP, the Verge, and Wired.
See also:
» SpaceX Falcon Heavy status updates
Florida Women’s Hall of Fame seeks nominations
Nominations for the 2018 Florida Women’s Hall of Fame are now being accepted through Jan. 31, 2018, by the Florida Commission on the Status of Women. The Florida Women’s Hall of Fame commemorates women’s history by honoring and remembering those women whose lives and contributions have improved the quality of life for both Florida and the nation. The Commission will accept all nominations for the 2018 Florida Women’s Hall of Fame postmarked by Jan. 31, 2018 or through the website FlWomensHallofFame.org/Nominate. [Source: Orlando Politics]
Walmart employees in Florida to see additional wage increases
Walmart’s new average hourly wage for full-time associates in Florida will be $14.04. On Tuesday, Walmart announced that more than 67,5000 Walmart associates in Florida would see benefit and wage changes. [Source: WTXL]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Programs was supposed to generate millions, but now Miami is making changes
Miami is making changes to a program created four years ago to boost the economy by tapping into a federal visa investment program. But the attorney who founded the underwhelming program questions whether the moves are legal.
› Companies to compete for $100,000 prize in Fort Lauderdale venture capital event
South Florida has some innovative companies seeking investors in 2018 — and they’re offering everything from freshly prepared meal delivery to custom prescription medications. Next week, eight regional companies will be among those presenting at the Florida Venture Capital Conference. See an announcment from the FVC conference, here.
› Lockheed Martin's Orlando unit scoops up $34M cybersecurity contract
With nearly every major device, vehicle and weapon having a type of computer or online capability, cybersecurity continues to be a major concern for the U.S. military. But a Florida defense firm is working to ward off malicious activity.
› Gig economy shakes up Jacksonville delivery services
There is a new player in the gig economy. Just as Uber and Lyft empowered anyone with a car to be a chauffeur and AirBNB empowered anyone with an apartment to be a landlord, Truxx hopes to empower anyone with a truck or van to be a mover.
Go to page 2 for more stories ...
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